Widmann — A Preliminary Catalog of the Birds of Missouri, 121 



to Alberta. Non-migratory, except farthest north, where partly 

 migratory. 



In Missouri it is a common resident in all parts of the state; 

 one of the few species deserving the designation of permanent 

 resident, meaning that the same individuals are found the whole 

 year round at or near the same place, provided that place fur- 

 nishes food of the right kind and in sufficient quantity in all 

 seasons. In winter it makes regular rounds through its domain, 

 often in company with Tufted Tits, Chickadees and Nuthatches, 

 forming little troops which are sometimes joined by Creepers, 

 Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Its resemblance to the 

 Yellow-bellied Woodpecker in juvenile dress has earned for it, 

 as well as for its cousin, the Hairy, the inappropriate name, 

 Sapsucker, and at the same time the hate of ignorant and in- 

 tolerant people. This is another and impressive proof of the 

 unreliability of observation on the part of the general public. 

 Superficial resemblance in color and size are sufficient to con- 

 found two entirely different birds and to blame an innocent crea- 

 ture for the imagined wrong-doings of another. 



*395. Dryobates borealis (Vieill.). Red-cockated Wood- 

 pecker. 



Picus borealis. Picus querulus. 



Geog. Dist. — South Atlantic and Gulf States to eastern Texas ; 

 north to North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas and Indian Terri- 

 tory. Non-migratoiy. 



Not found in Missouri as yet, but, being an inhabitant of pine 

 woods, it may occur on the southern slope of the Ozarks in the 

 region of the Short-leafed Yellow Pine {Pinus mitis or echinata), 

 which originally extended from Perry Co. southwestward to 

 Taney Co. At Heber, Cleburne Co., Ark., Mr. B. T. Gault ob- 

 served it daily in the summer of 1888 in piney woods. Since the 

 above was written, Mr. E. Seymour Woodruff found the Red- 

 cockated Woodpecker in Shannon Co., three examples on March 

 15, 1907, and two on March 30, 1907. On May 5, 1907, he writes 

 that the species is not so uncommon as he at first thought. He 

 says: ''I see and hear them constantly, and a female secured on 

 April 19 was in breeding condition." He again met with several 

 Red-cockated Woodpeckers in Carter Co., near the line of 

 Reynolds Co., May 29, 1907, but says: ''I guess the cutting off 

 of the pine will drive them out of the region. I have seen none 

 near Grandin." 



